In 2016, in the United States alone, up to 161,374 people died from unintentional deaths, 34,673 died from falls, 40,327 died from car accidents, and 58,335 died from accidental poisonings. The families and friends affected by these deaths face emotional distress and some may face financial struggles. A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed after a loved one’s death if evidence is found that the person died through the negligent or unethical acts of another person.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Multiple-vehicle car wrecks are highly known to lead to severe injuries or death. If a passenger in your car died at the hands of the other driver who hit your car, you can contact a Tennessee car accident lawyer to file a wrongful death lawsuit against that driver. Negligent driving can mean the driver broke traffic laws, drove recklessly, or was under the influence of drugs while driving. You can also sue if your loved one was hit by the driver while walking on a sidewalk, street, or related area.
Medical malpractice is also a common cause of wrongful deaths because the doctor and staff are directly responsible for their patient’s lives. If a medical professional fails to follow the standards of care and, intentionally or unintentionally, causes the death of your loved one, you can sue. Some examples of malpractice are surgical errors, intentionally breaking rules, not following safe medical procedures, and misdiagnosing a patient.
Product liabilities can be considered if a faulty product led to the death of your loved one. Any product that lacks appropriate warning labels or safety precautions strengthens your case. A company that fails to warn consumers of potential hazards related to their product is considered negligent.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Loved ones, like family members or friends, are the ones who most often file wrongful death lawsuits. The goal is to obtain fair remuneration through a settlement in court that covers pain and suffering. Compensation is also intended to cover financial earnings the loved one would have had for the family if they had lived. This type of lawsuit can be filed regardless of whether the death was an accident or intentional.
In court, your lawyer will work with you to prove that the death was caused by negligence or immoral behavior. If the case is for medical malpractice or a faulty product, the goal will be to uncover how the doctor or manufacturer acted carelessly. However, to receive full restitution, your lawyer must also explain the losses that resulted from your loved one’s death.
